Friday 30 August 2019

2nd to 8th September 2019


NEXT WEEKS EVENTS

2nd to 8th September 2019


THE FOLLOWING IS AN EXTRACT FROM BRISTOL AND WEST COUNTRY GEOLOGY CALENDARS

MORE DETAILS CAN BE FOUND IN THE BRISTOL AND THE WEST COUNTRY CALENDARS AND ON THE WEB SITES OF THE RELEVANT SOCIETY OR ORGANISATION.


MONDAY 2nd


TUESDAY 3rd


WEDNESDAY 4TH


Thursday 5th

Bath Geol Soc - Lecture
When
Thu, 5 September, 19:30 – 21:00
Where
Bath Royal Literary and Scientific Institution, 16 Queen Square, Bath (map)
Description
The Dinosaurs Rediscovered: How a Scientific Revolution is Rewriting History
Professor Michael J. Benton, University of Bristol
Learn how dinosaur remains are found and excavated, and how palaeontologists read the details of dinosaurs’ lives from their fossils - their colours, growth, and even whether we will ever be able to bring them back to life.

Leading palaeontologist Michael Benton explains how the study of dinosaurs has transformed into a true scientific discipline. New technologies have revealed secrets locked in prehistoric bones that no one could have previously predicted. We can now work out the force of dinosaurs’ bite, their top speeds, and even how they cared for their young. Remarkable new fossil discoveries - giant sauropod dinosaur skeletons in Patagonia, dinosaurs with feathers in China, and a tiny dinosaur tail in Burmese amber - remain the lifeblood of modern palaeobiology. Thanks to advances in technologies and methods, however, there has been a recent revolution in the scope of new information gleaned from such fossil finds. Michael will trace the development of the study of dinosaurs from its roots in antiquated natural history to an indisputably scientific field, and explain why, though extinct, dinosaurs are still very much a part of our world.

About the speaker
Michael J. Benton is Professor of Vertebrate Palaeontology at the University of Bristol and the author of The Dinosaurs Rediscovered: How a Scientific Revolution is Rewriting History. His many previous books include standard reference works, textbooks, and popular books on dinosaurs and the history of life.


Friday 4th


Saturday 5th

30th Hampshire Mineral & Fossil Show
When
Sat, 7 September, 10:00 – 16:30
Where
Lyndhurst Community Centre, Lyndhurst, Hants. (map)
Description

7th Sept in the Community Hall, Lyndhurst.   10 - 4.30.  Entrance £1

John Wilmouth tells me this is NOT like the "Rock & Gem shows. They are totally commercialised.  Charge the earth for a table so dealers have to put prices up to cover that."

The 2019 Hampshire Mineral and Fossil Show will be the 30th that SMFS have organised since the first held on Saturday 29th September 1990 at the Avenue Hall in Southampton.

Doors open to the public at 10:00 and the Show finishes at 16:30. Admission is only £1 for adults with accompanied children and Junior RockWatch members free (show membership card). 
The Show is in two halls, all on one level, and is suitable for visitors with mobility disabilities. Facilities for the disabled are present in the venue. Refreshments are available throughout the day at reasonable prices. 
The layout of the Show has the majority of the sales and dealers in the main Linden Hall and all of the exhibits and displays in the Pine Hall. This allows the exhibitors to be able to spread out and gives better access for visitors to view the displayed material and to talk with the exhibitors.
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Mendip Rocks! - The History and Hydrogeology of the Mendip’s precious water resources
When
Sat, 7 September, 14:00 – 16:00
Where
Chew Stoke Pumping Station, BS40 8. (map)
Description
The History and Hydrogeology of the Mendip’s precious water resources – a Talk and tour by Mike Sumbler of Bristol Water.  Sat 7th Sept, 2pm   Chew Stoke Pumping Station, BS40 8.

ALL EVENTS TO BE BOOKED via Eventbrite link: www.mendiphillsaonb.org.uk details 01749 840156.


Sunday 6th

OUGS Wessex - Day Field Trip
When
Sunday, 8 Sep 2019
Where
West Sussex (map)
Description
Raised beaches of West Sussex


Leader: David Bone

Location: West Sussex

Date: September 8th 2019 (Sunday)

Type: Field Trip (Day)

Summary: A trip to study the Cenozoic geology of West Sussex, together with current coastal changes and engineering.

Contact: Jeremy Cranmer   [wessexdaytrips@ougs.org]


Magnetic and true north coincide!

Magnetic and true north coincide!

This is of no great importance but I thought you might like to know. At some point over the next two weeks, compasses at Greenwich will point true north for the first time in about 360 years.

You can read all about it HERE

I remember mapping in Western Ontario in 1968 and thinking it quite pleasant to find there was no declination. So now, mappers in the UK will have the same happy feeling!

“Exceptionally rare” skull puts new face to human origins

"Exceptionally Rare" Skull puts new Face to Human Origins

This story has appeared everywhere in the last few days so here it is again!

A near-complete skull of the species Australopithecus anamensis was discovered in Ethiopia in 2016.Credit: Dale Omori/Cleveland Museum of Natural History

Nature's version is HERE, The Guardian's is HERE, The BBC's is HERE, The Telegraph's is HERE.No doubt it has appeared in other places. 


I will not pretend to explain it - the experts have enough difficulty - but the speculation is great!


Saturday 24 August 2019

26th August to 1st September 2019


NEXT WEEKS EVENTS

26th August to 1st September 2019


THE FOLLOWING IS AN EXTRACT FROM BRISTOL AND WEST COUNTRY GEOLOGY CALENDARS

MORE DETAILS CAN BE FOUND IN THE BRISTOL AND THE WEST COUNTRY CALENDARS AND ON THE WEB SITES OF THE RELEVANT SOCIETY OR ORGANISATION.


MONDAY 26TH


Tuesday 27th


Wednesday 28th

Mendip Rocks! - Family Fun Day
When
Wed, 28 August, 11:00 – 16:00
Where
Moons Hill Quarry, Stoke St Michael, BA3 5JU (map)
Description
AONB/SESC & Peter Hardy fossils
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Mendip Rocks! - Deserts, Mountains & Seas Geology Walk
When
Wed, 28 August, 14:30 – 15:00
Where
Burrington Combe, Blagdon, Bristol BS40, UK. Meet in lower carpark, by toilets. (map)
Description
Burrington Combe – Deserts, Mountains & Seas Geology walk - Wed 28th Aug, 2.30pm – Peter Hardy.  Meet in lower carpark, by toilets.

ALL EVENTS TO BE BOOKED via Eventbrite link: www.mendiphillsaonb.org.uk details 01749 840156.


Thursday 29th

Bristol Nats - Field Meeting
When
Thu, 29 August, 11:00 – 16:00
Where
Lilstock, West Somerset Coast,Meet at 11.00am in the Car Parking Area located at Grid Ref: ST171451 (map)
Description
Lilstock, West Somerset Coast, Leader: Richard Ashley 


Meet at 11.00am in the Car Parking Area located at Grid Ref: ST171451. This can be reached by turning off onto a track at Lilstock village. The beach is about 200 yards further down the track, and looks out towards the island of Steep Holm in the channel. Fossil hunting is a popular activity, with finds including ammonites and reptile vertebrae (Ichthyosaur and Plesiosaur). These can be found on the beach and also in the Blue Lias cliffs to the east, but walking across the pebbly shore is hard going. As this is an SSSI, extracting fossils from the living rock is not permitted. The principal object of the visit is to examine the rocks of the Lower Lias and if beach conditions are favourable the Rhaetic Lilstock formation to the west. If time permits it may also be possible to visit the coast at Kilve.

Bring a packed lunch and strong boots. It would be helpful if you would let Richard Ashley know if you wish to attend.

Friday 30th


Saturday 31st


SUnday 1st



Friday 23 August 2019

New Nick Chidlaw Course - South Shropshire

SOUTH SHROPSHIRE OCTOBER 2019

Nick Chidlaw has sent me the following:-


October 2019 – South Shropshire, Welsh Borderland
Lifelong Learning 4 day course
Field Geology in South Shropshire (Part 1) 
Tutor: Dr Nick Chidlaw
Saturday 19th - Tuesday 22nd October 2019
10.00 am – 5.00 pm each day
In this tract of the Welsh Borderland is found some of its most attractive scenery and varied geology. Part 1 looks at rocks of Precambrian – Ordovician age. These include e.g. ancient volcanics intrusives and reddish strata on the Stretton Hills, white quartzites near The Wrekin, and fossiliferous sandstones and shales along the Onny Valley. No prior knowledge of the area or geology is assumed.

This photograph was taken near the crest of Caer Caradoc hill, where crags expose pink rhyolite lavas of the Uriconian Group. They were erupted during the Ediacaran period during latest Precambrian times. 

 Note this Part 1 course is to be followed by Part 2 (Silurian – Carboniferous rocks) in June 2020, but both courses are independent of each other: you can enrol on Part 1 but not Part 2, and Part 2 without having first attended Part 1, depending on your interests / availability.

No prior knowledge of geology or the area is assumed. Attendees arrange their own travel, meals and accommodation – tutor can advise.
Meeting location provided to those enrolled. The course is organised through Cardiff University. It carries assessment, which is very difficult to fail!  Attendees usually find assessment on these courses useful for consolidating what they have learned.
Tuition fee is £170.00 (concessionary fee available £ 136.00)
Enrolments can be found by ‘phoning 029 2087 0000 or visiting website www.cardiff.ac.uk/learn
For more information on the course, contact tutor nickchidlaw@gmail.com

Saturday 17 August 2019

19th to 25th August 2019


NEXT WEEKS EVENTS

19th to 25th August 2019


THE FOLLOWING IS AN EXTRACT FROM BRISTOL AND WEST COUNTRY GEOLOGY CALENDARS

MORE DETAILS CAN BE FOUND IN THE BRISTOL AND THE WEST COUNTRY CALENDARS AND ON THE WEB SITES OF THE RELEVANT SOCIETY OR ORGANISATION.


MONDAY 19TH

Mendip Rocks! - Marking Time
When
Mon, 19 August, 10:00 – 16:00
Where
Somerset Earth Science Centre, Moons Hill Quarry, Stoke St Michael, BA3 5JU. (map)
Description
Mendip Rocks Art Exhibition: “Marking Time” at SESC 15-21st August, not Sunday 18th 10am-4pm. Somerset Earth Science Centre, Moons Hill Quarry, Stoke St Michael, BA3 5JU.
Mendip and Somerset geology inspired artworks to celebrate 10th Anniversary of Somerset Earth Science Centre opening.  10% proceeds to Mendip Rocks.    Artworks from Melanie Deegan & Watchet Art group (7 artists), Jennie Thomas, David Parfitt, Christina White and other local artists. Art workshops with some artists on Weds 21st August during SESC Anniversary open day.  Works include; watercolours, acrylics, print making, photography and 3D sculpture in the grounds at SESC.  Refreshments available for sale.

ALL EVENTS TO BE BOOKED via Eventbrite link: www.mendiphillsaonb.org.uk details 01749 840156.

TUESDAY 20TH

Mendip Rocks! - Marking Time - see Monday
-------------------------------

SMFS Evening Meeting
When
Tue, 20 August, 19:30 – 21:30
Where
The Friends' Meeting House, 1A, Ordnance Rd, Southampton. SO15 2AZ (map)
Description
“Annual Swap & Sale Evening” Please bring along unwanted minerals, fossils, rocks, books, anything of geological interest, to exchange or sell.

---------------------------------

Bath RL&SI Lecture - From Hades to the Machine Age
When
Tue, 20 August, 19:30 – 21:00
Where
Bath Royal Literary and Scientific Institution, 16-18 Queen Square, Bath BA1 2HN, UK (map)
Description
Objects from the BRL&SI Collection.

(This is NOT a Bath Geol Soc. Lecture)

Wednesday 21st

Mendip Rocks! - Fossil Funday & 10th Anniversary Open day at SESC
When
Wed, 21 August, 10:00 – 16:30
Where
Moons Hill Quarry, Stoke St Michael, BA3 5JU (map)
Description
Fossil Funday & 10th Anniversary Open day at SESC , Moons Hill Quarry, Stoke St Michael, BA3 5JU  Wed 21st Aug- 10am-4.30pm.  Fossil id, crafts/arts, quarry visits. & Peter Hardy/Simon Carpenter.  To include Art Exhibition of Somerset artists inspired by Mendip and Somerset Geology.

ALL EVENTS TO BE BOOKED via Eventbrite link: www.mendiphillsaonb.org.uk details 01749 840156.

Thursday 22nd

Mendip Rocks! - Exploring Fairy Cave Quarry walk and Armchair caving talk
When
Thu, 22 August, 14:00 – 17:30
Where
Parking on Limekiln Lane, midway between Stoke St Michael and Oakhill, by edge of Fairy Cave Quarry. (map)
Description
Exploring Fairy Cave Quarry walk and Armchair caving talk at SESC Thurs 22nd August 2pm - 5.30pm. Parking on Limekiln Lane, midway between Stoke St Michael and Oakhill, by edge of Fairy Cave Quarry.  Walk will be followed by a short slideshow at SESC by Peter Glanville and refreshments.

ALL EVENTS TO BE BOOKED via Eventbrite link: www.mendiphillsaonb.org.uk details 01749 840156.

Friday 23rd


Saturday 24th

Mendip Rocks! - The Ancient Springs of Wells Geo Walk
When
Sat, 24 August, 10:30 – 12:30
Where
Meet Tor Hill Lane, Wells ST554 458. Parking in Wells or on B3139 in layby. (map)
Description
The Ancient Springs of Wells Geo Walk- Doug Robinson – Sat 24th August – 10.30am-12.30pm.  Meet Tor Hill Lane, Wells ST554 458.  Parking in Wells or on B3139 in layby.

ALL EVENTS TO BE BOOKED via Eventbrite link: www.mendiphillsaonb.org.uk details 01749 840156.

Sunday 25th



Mission Jurassic

Mission Jurassic

I have been away and had not seen this. Fortunately a correspondent sent me THE LINK. It is all about a new find of dinosaur skeletons in Wyoming. It looks rather like Dinosaur National Monument in Utah which WEGA visited a couple of years ago - see HERE.

There is a lot on the web page - scroll down and click on the videos and the diagrams. Some of the diagrams are animated with hidden information.


Thursday 8 August 2019

12th to 18th August 2019


NEXT WEEKS EVENTS

12th to 18th August 2019


THE FOLLOWING IS AN EXTRACT FROM BRISTOL AND WEST COUNTRY GEOLOGY CALENDARS

MORE DETAILS CAN BE FOUND IN THE BRISTOL AND THE WEST COUNTRY CALENDARS AND ON THE WEB SITES OF THE RELEVANT SOCIETY OR ORGANISATION.


MONDAY 12TH


TUESDAY 13TH

Mendip Rocks! - Batts Combe Quarry
When
Tue, 13 August, 10:00 – 12:00
Where
Meet at Batts Combe Quarry reception. (map)
Description
Mendip Quarry Tours: booking essential/pay on day £5pp.  (Wear or bring boots, and no shorts please, safety wear provided).

ALL EVENTS TO BE BOOKED via Eventbrite link: www.mendiphillsaonb.org.uk details 01749 840156.
-------------------

Mendip Rocks! - Batts Combe Quarry
When
Tue, 13 August, 14:00 – 16:00
Where
Meet at Batts Combe Quarry reception. (map)
Description
Mendip Quarry Tours: booking essential/pay on day £5pp.  (Wear or bring boots, and no shorts please, safety wear provided).

ALL EVENTS TO BE BOOKED via Eventbrite link: www.mendiphillsaonb.org.uk details 01749 840156.
----------------------------

Cardiff University Lecture - When Sea levels Change...
When
Tue, 13 August, 18:30 – 20:00
Where
The 2018-2019 monthly Tuesday evening lectures in the School of Earth and Ocean Sciences will be held in the Wallace Lecture Theatre (0.13), Main Building, Cardiff University, Park Place, CF10 3AT. Lectures begin at 18.30. Booking is not needed. (map)
Description
It’s all relative: the ups, downs, tilting and rebounds of ancient
sea level.
Peter Burgess (Liverpool)



WEDNESDAY 14th

Mendip Rocks! - Kilmersdon Coalfield Walk
When
Wed, 14 August, 13:00 – 16:00
Where
Meet Radstock Museum, parking in town. (map)
Description
Kilmersdon Coalfield Walk – Richard Frost – Wed 14th Aug 1-4pm Meet Radstock Museum, parking in town.

ALL EVENTS TO BE BOOKED via Eventbrite link: www.mendiphillsaonb.org.uk details 01749 840156.

THURSDAY 15TH

Mendip Rocks! - Marking Time
When
Thu, 15 August, 10:00 – 16:00
Where
Somerset Earth Science Centre, Moons Hill Quarry, Stoke St Michael, BA3 5JU. (map)
Description
Mendip Rocks Art Exhibition: “Marking Time” at SESC 15-21st August, not Sunday 18th 10am-4pm. Somerset Earth Science Centre, Moons Hill Quarry, Stoke St Michael, BA3 5JU.
Mendip and Somerset geology inspired artworks to celebrate 10th Anniversary of Somerset Earth Science Centre opening.  10% proceeds to Mendip Rocks.    Artworks from Melanie Deegan & Watchet Art group (7 artists), Jennie Thomas, David Parfitt, Christina White and other local artists. Art workshops with some artists on Weds 21st August during SESC Anniversary open day.  Works include; watercolours, acrylics, print making, photography and 3D sculpture in the grounds at SESC.  Refreshments available for sale.

ALL EVENTS TO BE BOOKED via Eventbrite link: www.mendiphillsaonb.org.uk details 01749 840156.
-----------------------------

Thornbury Geology Group, 7.30pm, The Chantry, Thornbury
When
Thu, 15 August, 19:00 – 21:30
Description
Thornbury Geology Group, 7.30pm at The Chantry, Thornbury, and every 3rd Thursday in the month.  



Friday 16th

MENDIP ROCKS! - MARKING TIME - see Thursday

Saturday 17th

MENDIP ROCKS! - MARKING TIME - SEE THURSDAY
------------------------------

SWGA _ Excursion
When
Sat, 17 August, 11:00 – 15:00

Where
Meet at 11.00am on the top of the beach, by the second groyne, just south of the slipway opposite the RNLI station (ST 189 708). (map)

Description
Penarth, Vale of Glamorgan: Family Geology Day: 11.00am - 3.00pm
Coordinators: Cindy Howells and John Nudds

Meet at 11.00am on the top of the beach, by the second groyne, just south of the slipway opposite the RNLI station (ST 189 708).
This meeting is a follow on to last year's very successful Family Day. We will be taking short fossil and mineral hunts along the beach from a base (possibly our new gazebo!) where we will have examples of what is to be found, reference books and leaflets and information about the SWGA. We would be extremely grateful for as much help as possible from members to help run the base, give out information, talk to the public and help with the short walks, for as short or as long a time as you
can give.

Sunday 18th

Mendip Rocks! - Blackmoor Lead Mining walk
When
Sun, 18 August, 14:00 – 16:00
Where
Parking at Blackmoor Reserve Car Park. (map)
Description
Blackmoor Lead Mining walk – Richard Frost Sun 18th Aug 2-4pm. Parking at Blackmoor Reserve Car Park.ALL EVENTS TO BE BOOKED via Eventbrite link: www.mendiphillsaonb.org.uk details 01749 840156.